How to Pack Light and Smart for Business Trips
Business trips are all about getting where you need to go quickly, successfully accomplishing your goals, and returning home as easily as possible. That means packing efficiently, but making sure you have what you'll need. Here's some advice from Real Men Real Style and Independent Traveler on how to pack light and smart for the road.
1. If possible, use carry-on only.
When it comes to packing, business travel is a combination of two opposing objectives: the desire to pack light, but the need to pack suits and other bulky dress clothes, not to mention a laptop, paperwork, and other business materials. If you're flying, use carry-on only, if you can deal with the reduced packing room.
It really is much easier getting in and out of the airport when you don't have to deal with the baggage claim area before and after the flight.
Before you start packing, make sure your carry-on adheres to standard airline specifications. Most U.S. and European airlines allow a bag that is 22€ x 13€ x 9€. Some airlines will allow larger, but if you're not sure, it's better to go with the standard size. These specs can change so check with your specific airline.
2. Choose clothes for versatility.
Now that you have a carry-on-approved bag, what should you pack for your business trip? Remember, the idea is to pack as efficiently as possible. Whether it's business casual or formal attire, pack versatile pieces you can pair with each other to create different outfits for different occasions.
For example, on a business trip that's two or three days, you can usually get away with a standard blue suit jacket, two pairs of pants, and two shirts or blouses €" preferably shirts that won't wrinkle easily. If you'll be longer than two or three days, pack a second, more casual jacket/blazer, and one or two more shirts and slacks. A more casual style shirt and pants are great for an outdoor activity or casual dinner out.
Remember to pack extras, including enough socks, underwear, undershirts/bras as you will need. When it comes to accessories €" belts, neckties, and scarves €" pack a few neutral ones that will go with various outfits. Again, it's about packing light and smart.
Also remember to pack toiletries, including a toothbrush, mouthwash, contact lens solution, and other personal necessities. On flight day, wear your best suit, shirt, and shoes on the plane to help reduce wrinkling and damage.
3. Pack for maximum efficiency.
Now that you know what you're going to pack, the next step is packing your carry-on bag for maximum efficiency. Start with the shoes on the bottom of the bag €" meaning the area closest to the roller wheels once the bag is zipped up. You may want to put them in a shoe bag or plastic bag to keep clothes from getting dirty.
Next, fill the shoes with items such as belts, socks, and ties until they're firm, as this will help the shoes keep their form under the weight.
Fold jackets, shirts, and pants vertically in a narrow column, then roll them loosely to save space and prevent deep creases.
Keep toiletries together in a small case, and remember that liquids must be in a 3 oz. container for carry-on bags.
Remember, most airlines will allow you one €personal item€ bag, in addition to your carry-on, so pack whatever you can't fit in your laptop bag or purse.
Leave a little room in the suitcase for souvenirs. You never know.
Lastly, consider mailing work-related materials to your destination ahead of you, so you don't have to worry about packing and carrying them yourself.
1. If possible, use carry-on only.
When it comes to packing, business travel is a combination of two opposing objectives: the desire to pack light, but the need to pack suits and other bulky dress clothes, not to mention a laptop, paperwork, and other business materials. If you're flying, use carry-on only, if you can deal with the reduced packing room.
It really is much easier getting in and out of the airport when you don't have to deal with the baggage claim area before and after the flight.
Before you start packing, make sure your carry-on adheres to standard airline specifications. Most U.S. and European airlines allow a bag that is 22€ x 13€ x 9€. Some airlines will allow larger, but if you're not sure, it's better to go with the standard size. These specs can change so check with your specific airline.
2. Choose clothes for versatility.
Now that you have a carry-on-approved bag, what should you pack for your business trip? Remember, the idea is to pack as efficiently as possible. Whether it's business casual or formal attire, pack versatile pieces you can pair with each other to create different outfits for different occasions.
For example, on a business trip that's two or three days, you can usually get away with a standard blue suit jacket, two pairs of pants, and two shirts or blouses €" preferably shirts that won't wrinkle easily. If you'll be longer than two or three days, pack a second, more casual jacket/blazer, and one or two more shirts and slacks. A more casual style shirt and pants are great for an outdoor activity or casual dinner out.
Remember to pack extras, including enough socks, underwear, undershirts/bras as you will need. When it comes to accessories €" belts, neckties, and scarves €" pack a few neutral ones that will go with various outfits. Again, it's about packing light and smart.
Also remember to pack toiletries, including a toothbrush, mouthwash, contact lens solution, and other personal necessities. On flight day, wear your best suit, shirt, and shoes on the plane to help reduce wrinkling and damage.
3. Pack for maximum efficiency.
Now that you know what you're going to pack, the next step is packing your carry-on bag for maximum efficiency. Start with the shoes on the bottom of the bag €" meaning the area closest to the roller wheels once the bag is zipped up. You may want to put them in a shoe bag or plastic bag to keep clothes from getting dirty.
Next, fill the shoes with items such as belts, socks, and ties until they're firm, as this will help the shoes keep their form under the weight.
Fold jackets, shirts, and pants vertically in a narrow column, then roll them loosely to save space and prevent deep creases.
Keep toiletries together in a small case, and remember that liquids must be in a 3 oz. container for carry-on bags.
Remember, most airlines will allow you one €personal item€ bag, in addition to your carry-on, so pack whatever you can't fit in your laptop bag or purse.
Leave a little room in the suitcase for souvenirs. You never know.
Lastly, consider mailing work-related materials to your destination ahead of you, so you don't have to worry about packing and carrying them yourself.
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